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Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock Info

11+

SEAG

Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock Info

Age:11+

Table of Content

🏫 Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock (OLSPCK) – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations

Catholic Voluntary Grammar School | Co-educational | Belfast, Northern Ireland | Ages 11–18


📚 History of Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock

Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock (OLSPCK) was established in 1985 through the amalgamation of two respected Catholic grammar schools: St Patrick’s College, Knock and Our Lady’s Convent Grammar School. The merged school was created to continue the legacy of both institutions while providing an inclusive and modern co-educational environment.

Located on a spacious site in East Belfast, OLSPCK serves pupils from across Greater Belfast and surrounding areas, offering high academic standards within a Catholic Christian ethos. The school embraces the motto “Veritas” (Truth), promoting values of honesty, excellence, and faith-based learning.


👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure

  • Total Pupils: ~1,250

  • Year 8 Intake: ~170–180 pupils

  • Sixth Form: ~300+ students

  • Gender: Co-educational

  • Age Range: 11–18

  • School Type: Catholic Voluntary Grammar School

  • Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic (welcoming pupils of all or no faiths)


🎓 Academic Reputation

OLSPCK is one of the highest-performing grammar schools in Northern Ireland, consistently ranked among the top for both GCSE and A-Level results. The school offers a broad, challenging curriculum supported by excellent pastoral care and student guidance.

✅ Academic Strengths:

  • High-achieving in Sciences, Maths, English, Religious Education, Languages, and Business

  • Strong careers support for progression to Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Creative Arts

  • High numbers of students progress to Queen’s University Belfast, Russell Group universities, and Irish universities

📊 Academic Results:

  • GCSEs:

    • ~100% of students achieve 7+ GCSEs at grades A–C*, including English and Maths

    • ~90%+ of all grades are A–A*

  • A-Levels:

    • ~85–90% of grades at A–B*

    • High success rate for UCAS and CAO applicants


🏆 Awards & Recognition

  • Recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s top 10 grammar schools based on exam performance

🏫 Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock – Contact Information

School Name: Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock
Type: Catholic Co-educational Voluntary Grammar School (Ages 11–18)
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland


📍 Address:

Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock
Castlehill Road
Belfast
BT4 2ND
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom


☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 9040 1184


📧 Email:

info@olspcknock.belfast.ni.sch.uk


🌐 Website:

https://www.olspcknock.org.uk


📱 Social Media:

You can view the school’s location on the map below:

SEAG Score Needed to get into Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock

Below is historical scores for Our Lady and St Patrick’s College from 2023 to 2014.

2023 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2022 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 224
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 229
2019 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2018 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2017 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2016 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2015 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 234
2014 Lowest Grade – PPTC/GL – 242

As you can see from the above stats and 234 in PPTC/GL in most years will have got you into Our Lady and St Patrick’s College. The highest score needed was 234 in several years.
A 234 score in old PPTC/GL test is equivalent to 206 in new SEAG test so based on past intake a minimum score of 206+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Our Lady and St Patrick’s College.

SEAG Comparison with historical AQE and PPTC outcomes:

Approx PPTC / GL Equivalent SAS SEAG TSAS Approx AQE Equivalent SAS SEAG Band SEAG Cohort Percentile
282 282 130 1 100
258 236 1 90
249 224 113 1 80
242 215 109 1 70
236 207 106 1 60*
231 200 103 2 50*
226 193 99 3 40*
220 185 94 4 30*
214 175 88 5 20*
200 <175 6 <20

*This is the minimum cohort percentile needed for that Band

Two examples:
A SEAG TSAS of 215 would be “equivalent” to a PPTC SAS of about 242 or an AQE SAS of about 109. A SEAG TSAS of 185 would be “equivalent” to a PPTC SAS of about 220 or an AQE SAS of about 94.

Minimum PPTC /GL SAS needed for Grade PPTC/ GL Grade Approx Equivalent SEAG TSAS
234 A 206
229 B1 197
224 B2 190
219 C1 183
213 C2 174
<213 D <174

How to Use ExamTutor SEAG Transfer Test Practice Papers (with Video Explanations) to Achieve High Scores for Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock

Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock. To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the SEAG Transfer Test. ExamTutor’s SEAG Practice Test Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.


How ExamTutor SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed

1. Mirrors the SEAG Transfer Test Format

ExamTutor’s practice papers mirror the GL Assessment SEAG test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.

By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the SEAG entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.


2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan

A structured study plan is essential for SEAG Transfer Test success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.

📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.


3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations

Some SEAG transfer Test question types can be challenging for students. Our tutor-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence

How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:

Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.

Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.


4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques

Success in the SEAG entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.

📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.


5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day

Confidence is crucial for success in the SEAG exam. Our practice tests help by:
Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
Providing motivation through measurable improvement.

📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.


Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for SEAG transfer test Preparation?

SEAG GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
Used successfully by thousands of students every year.


How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers

1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.

📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.

Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock entry is highly competitive, but ExamTutor SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.

By mirroring the SEAG test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock.

Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock Preparation?

SEAG style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
Used successfully by thousands of pupils every year.

Achieving a high SEAG score for Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock is very possible with the right strategy and tools. With ExamTutor’s exam-style papers and video explanations, you get both practice and expert guidance — exactly what’s needed to turn mistakes into mastery.

📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to SEAG success! 🚀

📋 Admissions Criteria (Subject to Annual Review)

If applications exceed available places (~170–180), the school applies these criteria:

  1. SEAG score – candidates ranked by performance

  2. Baptised Catholic pupils

  3. Siblings of current/former pupils

  4. Children of staff or past pupils

  5. Pupils attending named Catholic primary schools

  6. Geographical proximity (tie-breaker)

Special Circumstances and Provisions (e.g. SEN, illness, relocation) are considered if supported by evidence.


📅 Admissions Timeline 

Stage Date
SEAG Registration Opens May
SEAG Registration Closes September
SEAG Test Dates November (2 Saturdays)
Results Issued January
EA Online Application Opens Late January
Application Deadline February
Offers Announced March

SEAG Exam Information for ‘Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock’.

The SEAG Group’ consists of 63 Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland that use academic selection for all or part of their Year 8 intake. The SEAG 2024 Entrance Assessment is for pupils who will be transferring to post primary schools and whose parents may be considering a place at a SEAG school for their child. Our Lady and St Patrick’s College Knock is a SEAG School. Our Lady and St Patrick’s College Knock will use the results from the SEAG Test to determine who gets offered a place at the school.

SEAG Registration and Exam Details
Parents can register their child at the SEAG website at the following address. SEAG (seagni.co.uk).The SEAG Entrance Assessment consists of two papers. Both papers assess English and Mathematics and both have an identical format consisting of three Sections:

1st Section – The Practice Test Section
This section contains 5 English followed by 5 Maths questions. These questions are designed to help pupils settle before the Main Test begins. The Practice Test is not assessed or timed.
2nd Section – English Main Test.
The English section of the paper consists of 28 questions (Q1-Q28) and is broken down into 4 sections:
1) “Punctuation Exercise” containing 5 multiple choice questions.
2) “Grammar Exercise” 5 multiple choice questions.
3) “Spelling Exercise” with 5 multiple choice questions.
4) Comprehension”. Contains a passage and are then asked 13 questions on the passage; 7 of these are multiple choice (Q16-Q22). The final 6 questions (Q23-Q28) are described as “free response”; the pupil writes the answer to each in the space provided in the Answer Sheet.
3rd Section – Maths Main Test.
The Maths section also has 28 questions (Q29-Q56) and is broken down into 2 sections:
1) The first 22 Maths questions (Q29-Q50) are multiple choice questions.
2) The final 6 Maths questions (Q51-Q56) are described as “free response”. For each of these questions the pupil works out the correct answer and writes the answer in the space provided in the Answer Sheet.
Pupils will have 60 minutes to answer the 56 Main Test questions.
They can choose to start with the English questions or with the Maths questions.
Each of the multiple choice questions has 5 possible answers.

Admissions Criteria for Our Lady and St Patrick’s College Knock

Most Northern Ireland Grammar Schools are now using the SEAG Entrance Assessment instead of Transfer Test AQE or PPTC/GL Assessment. As part of their admissions criteria each school uses slightly different criteria versions for admissions. The vast majority of schools will have SEAG Band one as 1st criteria which means you need to score 206+ in the SEAG Entrance Assessment Test. If you don’t get band one then you will not be guaranteed a grammar school place in any school in Northern Ireland.
After criteria one, criteria two can vary depending on Grammar School. The majority of Grammar Schools 2nd criteria will be if a family member currently or in some cases has attended the school, other schools will go straight to SEAG TSAS scores. The main key point to note is that you need to aim for band one which is 206 in SEAG Entrance Assessment for the vast majority of Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland. Another key point is school preference, most schools don’t stipulate they have to be number one preference on the SEAG Application form to be considered for a place at their school. So, if you put down a Grammar School as 1st preference and don’t get the grade to get in, as long as your 2nd choice school doesn’t stipulate their school has to be 1st preference then it’s the same as putting the 2nd school down 1st on the SEAG application form.
Our advice is to read the Grammar School criteria carefully and know what your child needs to achieve to gain entry as a lot of parents get confused over the criteria. We keep an up-to-date database of past Transfer Test and SEAG scores you need to gain entry to all Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland.
Our SEAG products at bottom of the page are proven resources to give you child the best chance of getting a high score in SEAG, our Practice Test Papers with video explanations are a great starting point for the SEAG Exam. Our online and live tutor bootcamps are a great alternative to an expensive tutor and our mock exams are a great way to find out what level your child is currently at compared to other children who have taken our mock exams in the same area. Our mock exams will be pitched at examination level difficulty so you have an exact understanding of the level your child needs to aim for. Below is the criteria for this Grammar School. If you have any questions please contact us:
In assessing academic ability, Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock will use the SEAG Band’s, Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) and other criteria to award places at the school. Parents/Guardians must enter the applicant’s Band and Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) from the SEAG Entrance Assessment and upload a copy of the applicant’s statement of results with the Transfer Application to the NI Education Authority website.
1) Applicants who have been awarded Band 1 in the SEAG Entrance Assessment.
2) Applicants who, at the date of their application, have a child of the family currently/previously enrolled at the College.
3) Applicants who are the eldest or only child of the family.
4) Applicants who are entitled to Free School Meals.
5) Applicants for whom Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock is the nearest Catholic grammar school from their permanent place of residence.
6) Applicants Total Standardised Age Score (TSAS) in the SEAG Entrance Assessment with the highest score awarded a place until all places are taken.
Visit Our Lady and St Patrick’s College Knock website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – the https://www.knock.co.uk

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